July 2, 2018
The Richmond Police Department knows the public is
excited to celebrate Independence Day. As many people are pulling out the grill
to celebrate, some are thinking about shooting fireworks or firearms into the
air. Both are illegal in the city.
In
2014, Brendon’s Law (§ 18.2-56.1) was enacted to implement harsher penalties
for reckless handling of a firearm, including celebratory gunfire, resulting in
serious injury.
“We
want all citizens to have a safe and happy holiday this Fourth of July and
enjoy events around Richmond,” said Special
Operations Division Commander John O’Kleasky. “The Department plans to
have a strong police presence to ensure safe celebrations.”
The
Richmond Police Department would like to remind citizens of the following:
- Randomly firing a weapon in the city is illegal.
- Firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks
that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles are
prohibited.
- Legal fireworks
displays are planned at the Diamond and Dogwood Dell on Wednesday, July 4.
Legal parking for Dogwood
Dell is available at City Stadium on Douglasdale Road. Shuttle buses will be
available from the stadium to Dogwood Dell.
- Do not impede the flow of traffic to view fireworks if
you are in a vehicle. Please pull over to a safe location.
